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  • 2026 World Cup Schedule: All Games, Dates, Matchups and How To Watch

    2026 World Cup Schedule: All Games, Dates, Matchups and How To Watch


    It’s almost time. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to 16 different cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States this summer, and you’ll be able to catch all the action with FOX Sports, America’s English-language home for the 48-team soccer bonanza.

    Here is the full broadcast schedule for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and how you can watch every game:

    How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup

    All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within FOX One’s new, innovative World Cup viewing experience and the FOX Sports App. Every match will be available in 4K on FOX One and most major Pay TV providers.

    JUMP TO: Group Stage | Knockout Rounds | World Cup Final

    2026 World Cup Group Stage Schedule:

    June 11, 2026

    June 12

    June 13

    June 14

    June 15

    June 16

    June 17

    June 18

    June 19

    June 20

    June 21

    June 22

    June 23

    June 24

    June 25

    June 26

    June 27

    2026 World Cup Schedule: Knockout Round

    Round of 32

    June 28

    Group A Second-Place vs. Group B Second-Place — Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California (3 p.m. ET, FOX)

    June 29

    Group C Winner vs. Group F Second Place — Houston Stadium (1 p.m. ET, FOX)

    Group E Winner vs. Group A/B/C/D/F Third Place — Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts (4:30 p.m. ET, FOX)

    Group F Winner vs Group C Second Place — Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico (9:00 p.m. ET, FOX)

    June 30

    Group E Second Place vs. Group I Second Place — Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas (1 p.m. ET, FOX)

    Group I Winner vs Group C/D/F/G/H Third Place — New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (5 p.m. ET, FOX)

    Group A Winner vs Group C/E/F/H/I Third Place — Mexico City Stadium (9 p.m. ET, FOX)

    July 1

    Group L Winner vs. Group E/H/I/J/K Third Place — Atlanta Stadium (12 p.m. ET, FOX)

    Group G Winner vs. Group A/E/H/I/J Third Place — Seattle Stadium (4 p.m. ET, FS1)

    Group D Winner vs. Group B/E/F/I/J Third Place — San Francisco Bay Stadium in Santa Clara, California (8 p.m. ET, FOX)

    July 2

    Group H Winner vs. Group J Second Place — Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California (3 p.m. ET, FOX)

    Group K Second Place vs. Group L Second Place — Toronto Stadium (7 p.m. ET, FOX)

    Group B Winner vs. Group D/E/I/J/L Third Place — BC Place in Vancouver, Canada (11 p.m. ET, FS1)

    July 3

    Group D Second Place vs. Group G Second Place — Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas (2 p.m. ET, FOX)

    Group J Winner vs. Group H Second Place — Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida (6 p.m. ET, FOX)

    Group K Winner vs. D/E/I/J/L Third Place – Kansas City Stadium (9:30 p.m. ET, FOX)

    Round of 16

    July 4

    TBD vs. TBD – Houston Stadium (1 p.m. ET, FOX)

    TBD vs. TBD – Philadelphia Stadium (5 p.m. ET, FOX)

    July 5

    TBD vs. TBD – New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (4 p.m. ET, FOX)

    TBD vs. TBD — Mexico City Stadium (8 p.m. ET, FOX)

    July 6

    TBD vs. TBD – Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas (3 p.m. ET, FOX)

    TBD vs. TBD – Seattle Stadium (8 p.m. ET, FOX)

    July 7

    TBD vs. TBD – Atlanta Stadium (12 p.m. ET, FOX)

    TBD vs. TBD – BC Place in Vancouver, Canada (4 p.m. ET, FOX)

    Quarterfinals

    July 9

    TBD vs. TBD – Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts (4 p.m. ET, FOX)

    July 10

    TBD vs. TBD – Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California (3 p.m. ET, FOX)

    July 11

    TBD vs. TBD – Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida (5 p.m. ET, FOX)

    TBD vs. TBD – Kansas City Stadium (9 p.m. ET, FOX)

    Semifinals

    July 14

    TBD vs. TBD – Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas (3 p.m. ET, FOX)

    July 15

    TBD vs. TBD – Atlanta Stadium (3 p.m. ET, FOX)

    Third-place match

    July 18 

    TBD vs. TBD — Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida (5 p.m. ET, FOX)

    World Cup final

    July 19

    TBD vs. TBD — New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (3 p.m. ET, FOX)

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  • Canada World Cup 2026 Schedule: Locations, Dates, Times

    Canada World Cup 2026 Schedule: Locations, Dates, Times


    Alphonso Davies and Canada now know their path to glory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after learning their group stage opponents, which stadiums they will play at, and the times for the games. 

    When is the World Cup? How to Watch?

    The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The FOX family of networks and the FOX Sports app are your complete home for World Cup content, including live matches, complete highlights, commentary and analysis, and full-match replays.

    What is Canada’s Group and Who are the Opponents?

    Canada will be in Group B. Its opponents will be:

    • UEFA Playoff A (Bosnia and Herzegovina or Italy) — to be decided on March 31, 2026
    • Qatar
    • Switzerland

    Group B: Canada, UEFA Playoff A, Qatar, and Switzerland | 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw

    Group B: Canada, UEFA Playoff A, Qatar, and Switzerland | 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw

    What is Canada’s World Cup Schedule?

    Canada discovered its three group-stage opponents at the World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 5. The team’s three group-stage games will be as follows:

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  • Mexico World Cup 2026 Schedule: Locations, Dates, Times

    Mexico World Cup 2026 Schedule: Locations, Dates, Times


    Edson Alvarez and Mexico now know their path to glory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after learning their group stage opponents, which stadiums they will play at, and the times for the games. 

    When is the World Cup? How to Watch?

    The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The FOX family of networks and the FOX Sports app are your complete home for World Cup content, including live matches, complete highlights, commentary and analysis, and full-match replays.

    What is Mexico’s Group and Who are the Opponents?

    Mexico will be in Group A. Its opponents will be:

    • South Africa
    • South Korea
    • UEFA Player Winner D (Czechia or Denmark) — to be decided on March 31, 2026

    Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea & UEFA Playoff D | 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw

    Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea & UEFA Playoff D | 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw

    What is Mexico’s World Cup Schedule?

    Argentina discovered its three group-stage opponents at the World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 5. The team’s three group stage games will be as follows:

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  • United States World Cup 2026 Schedule: Locations, Dates, Times

    United States World Cup 2026 Schedule: Locations, Dates, Times


    Christian Pulisic and the United States now know their path to glory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after learning their group stage opponents, which stadiums they will play at, and the times for the games. 

    When is the World Cup? How to Watch?

    The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The FOX family of networks and the FOX Sports app are your complete home for World Cup content, including live matches, complete highlights, commentary and analysis, and full-match replays.

    What is the United States’ Group and Who are the Opponents?

    The United States will be in Group D. Its opponents will be:

    • Paraguay
    • Australia
    • UEFA Playoff C Winner – (Kosovo or Türkiye) — to be determined on March 31, 2026

    Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia and UEFA Playoff C | 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw

    Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia and UEFA Playoff C | 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw

    What is the United States’ World Cup Schedule?

    The United States discovered its three group-stage opponents at the World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 5. The team’s three group-stage games will be as follows:

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  • 4 Takeaways From World Cup Qualifying on Thursday

    4 Takeaways From World Cup Qualifying on Thursday


    A big step forward was taken on Thursday for several countries looking to book their tickets to this summer’s World Cup. 

    A quick reminder — 42 squads of the 48-team field are already in the biggest edition of the tournament ever, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico. So that’s why Thursday’s games were so important.  Now, all eyes turn to Tuesday, which is when those final six spots will be booked.

    Here are the takeaways:

    1. Türkiye Puts the World (and the USA) on Notice

    Of all the teams remaining in UEFA qualifying, Turkiye might be the one most other teams will want to avoid in the World Cup.

    Young playmakers Arda Guler (Real Madrid) and Kenan Yildiz (Juventus) power a young Turkish attack with veteran midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan) pulling the strings. Guler assisted the goal in Türkiye’s 1-0 win, which was scored by left back Ferdi Kadioglu (Brighton).

    Türkiye went 4-1-1 in UEFA qualifying but found itself in the playoffs because it was paired with powerhouse Spain, which won Euro 2024. But now the Turks are one game away from solidifying its spot for the summer. 

    If it progresses to the World Cup on Tuesday against Slovakia, Türkiye will join Group D at the World Cup with the United States, Australia and Paraguay. The Turks – who defeated the USA last fall in a friendly – may be favored to win that group.

    2. Italy Moves Closer to Qualification

    Italy has failed to qualify for the last two World Cups, which is amazing after it won the Euro 2020 championship between two of the tournaments.

    There was a lot of tension entering these qualifying games, which saw the Italians take on Northern Ireland on Thursday. Manager Gennaro Gattuso’s team won 2-0 thanks to goals from midfielder Sandro Tonali (AC Milan) and striker Moise Kean (Fiorentina).

    Italy will now take on Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday with a chance to not just make the World Cup, but also try and actually return to its perch as among the world’s elite. 

    Along with missing the 2022 and 2018 tourneys altogether, their struggles go back all the way to 2010 and 2014, having failed to advance from its group on both occasions. The Azzurri’s last World Cup knockout match was when they won the title in 2006 by beating France in a penalty shootout.

    3. Extra-time Double Drama; Gyokeres Shines For Sweden

    Penalty shootouts are always high-stakes theatre, and we were given a treat with two matches having to be settled from the spot. 

    In the match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina, there were plenty of top moments before we even got to penalties. In the waning moments in Cardiff, 40-year-old striker Edin Dzeko had a vintage score off a corner to level the score at 1-1 in the 86th minute. That had preceded a spectacular goal by Daniel James (Leeds United), who had opened the scoring for Wales in the 51st minute.

    But once we got to penalties, Bosnia and Herzegovina took advantage. They missed their first penalty but converted the next four, while Crystal Palace’s Brennan Johnson and Nottingham Forest’s Neco Williams missed theirs for Wales – and thus dashing any hope for the Welsh returning to the big stage. 

    In Prague, Ireland looked to be in control of keeping their dream of the World Cup alive with the team going up 2-0 in the first half. But Czechia had other plans, as the hosts scored their first goal four minutes later before captain Ladislav Krejci (Wolves) equalized in the 86th.

    Once the game reached penalties, Ireland again couldn’t close it out. The Irish were up 3-2 after three attempts, but they missed two straight penalties while Czechia converted its last two attempts to advance.

    Sweden qualified for this round because of its performance in the UEFA Nations League, during which it had two elite strikers in Liverpool’s Alexander Isak and Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres.

    Isak is out because of injury for these matches, so it was Gyokeres’ time to shine – and he did.

    Gyokeres scored a hat trick against Ukraine, powering Sweden’s 3-0 win in Valencia, Spain. Sweden advanced in Path B of the UEFA playoffs to take on Poland next Tuesday with a trip to the World Cup on the line. It will be a great matchup of strikers with Gyokeres facing off against Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski, who scored for Poland in its 2-1 win over Albania.

    4. Valiant Effort by New Caledonia

    In a tournament that is already featuring several debut countries (Jordan, Cape Verde, and Curaçao), it was heartening to see another squad with big hopes and a small population try to reach the World Cup.

    New Caledonia – an island nation in the South Pacific with a population of just 265,000 – gave it all they could against Jamaica in the semifinals of the FIFA intercontinental playoffs held in Mexico. Wrexham forward Bailey-Tye Cadamarteri’s goal in the 18th minute gave Jamaica (trying to reach its first World Cup since 1998) the game’s only goal, and thus setting up a date with DR Congo next Tuesday with a World Cup spot on the line.

    Hats off to New Caledonia, who would be the lowest-ranked nation (No. 150) to ever play at a World Cup. The team hadn’t had a competitive match since October but still made things interesting against a more formidable Jamaican squad.  

    4 ½. What’s Next

    The final six spots for the 48-team World Cup field will be determined on Tuesday. Four of those remaining spots will be European teams. The two other spots will be up for grabs between four intercontinental nations (Bolivia, Iraq, DR Congo and Jamaica). 

    Here is Tuesday’s full match schedule:

    The winner of this game will join Group B (co-hosts Canada, Qatar, Switzerland). The winner’s games will be played in Toronto (vs. Canada), Los Angeles (vs. Switzerland) and Seattle (vs. Qatar).

    The winner between Sweden and Poland will join the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia in Group F. Those games will be played in Monterrey, Mexico (vs. Tunisia), Houston (vs. the Netherlands) and Arlington, Texas. (vs. Japan).

    The winner of the Türkiye-Kosovo match on Tuesday will join the USA, Paraguay and Australia in Group D. Those matches will be played in Vancouver (vs. Australia), Santa Clara, Calif. (vs. Paraguay) and Los Angeles (vs. the USA).

    The winner of the Denmark-Czechia match will join co-hosts Mexico, South Africa and South Korea in Group A at the World Cup. Those games will be played in Guadalajara (vs. South Korea), Atlanta (vs. South Africa) and Mexico City (vs. Mexico).

    The winner of the Iraq vs. Bolivia match will join France, Senegal and Norway in Group I. Those matches will be played in Foxborough, Mass. (vs. Norway), Philadelphia (vs. France) and Toronto (vs. Senegal).

    The winner of the DR Congo vs. Jamaica game will join Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K. Matches will be played in Houston (vs. Portugal), Guadalajara (vs. Colombia) and Atlanta (vs. Uzbekistan.)

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  • Gio Reyna Happy To Be In USA Mix Despite Lack of Club Playing Time

    Gio Reyna Happy To Be In USA Mix Despite Lack of Club Playing Time



    Gio Reyna is happy his lack of Bundesliga playing time isn’t being held against him by Mauricio Pochettino as the USA coach prepares for the last two friendlies before picking his World Cup roster.

    Reyna is among the 27 players in camp for matches against Belgium on Saturday and Portugal on Tuesday. The 23-year-old midfielder, a son of former USA captain Claudio Reyna, has had just 28 minutes on the field in the past three months for Borussia Mönchengladbach.

    “It’s always easier when you’re playing week in and week out. My case is not like that,” Reyna said during an online news conference Thursday. “Fortunate and of course always honored and happy to be back in with the coach’s trust. If the opportunity comes up, I still feel very prepared to make an impact this camp on the field.”

    After Pochettino took over the team in late 2024, he stressed the importance of gaining regular club playing time.

    “We need them to be involved in the competition in their clubs,” he said that November.

    Reyna transferred to Gladbach last summer after making just 14 league starts in his last four seasons at Borussia Dortmund plus two during a loan to English side Nottingham Forest. He had made just one start and five substitute appearances in the Bundesliga this season when Reyna reported for a pair of November U.S. friendlies.

    Reyna scored in his first international start in 16 months to surpass his father in career international goals with nine and then set up Folarin Balogun’s tiebreaking goal for a 2-1 victory over Paraguay.

    After entering as a second-half substitute in a 5-1 rout of Uruguay, Reyna returned to his club and made four starts, then had an unspecified muscle injury.

    Reyna hasn’t been in a game since playing six minutes on Jan. 11 and 22 more on Jan. 17. Gladbach said on Jan. 25 he had an unspecified muscle injury and while Reyna returned to dress for the Feb. 28 match he has been an unused substitute in four straight games.

    Still, Pochettino brought him back to the national team for these two games in Atlanta.

    “Gio was fantastic in November with us,” Pochettino said last week. “We really know that he’s a very special talent and very special player and I think to give the possibility, even if he’s not playing too much in his club, he can be very useful for us.”

    Pochettino no longer is demanding club playing time in every situation.

    “It’s an art because every single player is different and can add different things to the team,” he said. “We cannot follow some rule, because I think it’s not fair to judge all in the same way. … I think the most important is what the player can add to the team and if it can be the right player to help to perform, the team.”

    Reyna was nearly sent home from the 2022 World Cup by then coach Gregg Berhalter for alleged lack of effort in training, causing Reyna’s parents to contact the U.S. Soccer Federation about a three-decades-old domestic violence allegation involving Berhalter and the woman who later became his wife. A USSF investigation concluded Berhalter did not improperly withhold information, and Berhalter was rehired only to be fired after a first-round exit at the 2024 Copa América.

    Pochettino was hired that September.

    “Me and Mauricio have a great relationship, speak often,” Reyna said. “I guess you could say it was sort of one of his more difficult decisions, or I guess controversial decisions to maybe bring me in. Again, can’t appreciate it enough, love this team, love this staff, love this group of people.”

    “I feel prepared regardless of the playing-time situation at club,” he added. “So if the chance comes up in the next two games, I have confidence in myself and the team that I can do some good things and make an impact to help.”

    Road ahead for the USA

    After the 26-man World Cup roster is announced on May 26, the U.S. faces Senegal on May 31 at Charlotte, North Carolina, and Germany on June 6 at Chicago.

    The Americans open their second World Cup at home in June 12 against Paraguay at Inglewood, California, then play Australia a week later at Seattle. The U.S. opponent for its Group D finale was narrowed Thursday to Turkey or Kosovo, who meet Tuesday for a World Cup berth. In playoff semifinals, Turkey beat Romania 1-0 and Kosovo upset Slovakia 4-3.

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  • England’s Cole Palmer Faces ‘Big Pressure’ According to Thomas Tuchel

    England’s Cole Palmer Faces ‘Big Pressure’ According to Thomas Tuchel


    Thomas Tuchel has issued a blunt “pressure” warning to Cole Palmer, warning the Chelsea superstar that his place in the England starting XI for the World Cup is far from guaranteed. The German coach insists that the playmaker must prove his worth in the international setup following an injury-hit campaign.

    Tuchel demands more from Chelsea star

    Tuchel has made it clear that Palmer faces a fight to secure his long-term future in the England starting XI. The 23-year-old has endured a fragmented season due to a recurring groin injury, which has limited him to just 25 appearances across all competitions this term. The Three Lions boss believes the pressure is now firmly on the Chelsea man to translate his club form to the international stage and prove his fitness.

    Speaking ahead of England’s international friendly against Uruguay tomorrow, Tuchel elaborated on the challenges facing the Chelsea star. “Honestly, he has to show it because we have more evidence without him than with him so the pressure is on him,” Tuchel explained. “He had a difficult season but he has also had a difficult spell with the national team. He was only once available for us and when he was available, we decided to stick with the same squad so there is big competition for his best position, number 10. He really tries.”

    Physical struggles and recovery data

    The England manager noted that Palmer’s physical output had been compromised earlier in the season, affecting his natural movement and explosiveness. Despite these challenges, he has still managed to record 10 goals and three assists in all competitions for Chelsea this term.

    “We saw good data lately, I saw him live against Arsenal and for the first time in a long time, I had the feeling his stride was back to the original lengths,” said Tuchel. “Before I felt he was not free and the stride was not long enough, the acceleration was not there and the movement was not free. I got feedback from him and from Chelsea that he felt during this game he was much, much better. He also had a very strong game against Aston Villa with a huge physical output that we could see and that was the first step.”

    Training intensity and squad integration

    Despite the stern warning regarding competition,

    “When I hug him, that means he is smiling otherwise he would not get a hug,” said Tuchel. “He is in good spirits, he is open and he is communicating and is showing his quality. He is very engaged and these are very important steps to show the performance to be involved in the group and have connections within the group, so he will get his chance during the next matches.”

    No ‘silver platter’ for the No. 10

    With a wealth of No.10 options available to England, including the likes of Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and Phil Foden,

    “The physical output is matching the impression we have that there was something lacking but he is now back to full confidence and we see it in training. He is not pulling out or holding back,” Tuchel added. “That is what we wanted. We have had four training sessions and he needs to show up. He cannot hold back. He needs to understand he fights for his place and we will not hand anything to anyone on a silver platter. He did this in a very nice way, in exactly the right way.”

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  • ‘We’re in No Hurry:’ Argentina’s Coach Gives Messi Update Ahead of World Cup

    ‘We’re in No Hurry:’ Argentina’s Coach Gives Messi Update Ahead of World Cup


    Lionel Scaloni has indicated that Lionel Messi has still not confirmed he will lead Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. The national team boss was quick to deflect pressure away from the Inter Miami superstar, reiterating that the decision rests entirely with the player himself.

    Messi’s World Cup uncertainty continues

    As Argentina prepare for their upcoming friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia at La Bombonera, the conversation naturally drifted toward the availability of their captain for the 2026 World Cup. Scaloni was again unable to confirm that Messi will definitely participate in the global showpiece, though he remains hopeful.

    “It is a question for him. I don’t have to answer. You already know what I think. I want him to be there, but he is the one who decides. He has earned the right to be able to decide with peace of mind. We are in no hurry. Let’s hope he says yes,” Scaloni told reporters during his pre-match press conference. The manager also touched upon his own future, noting that while contract talks are ongoing, they are not his primary focus.

    “My contract renewal isn’t the focus. My agent is talking to the president, but for now it’s just the World Cup.” he said.

    Experimental lineups for Mauritania clash

    The Albiceleste are set to face Mauritania this Friday, followed by a encounter with Zambia next Tuesday. Scaloni intends to use these fixtures as a testing ground for fringe players and youngsters who are desperate to secure a spot in the final 26-man squad for the upcoming tournament in North America, though Messi will play some part.

    “The team against Mauritania is going to be a mix between kids we want to see and others we want to raise their level. Messi is going to play. I don’t know if from the start in this one or in the second, but it is a nice opportunity to see him on the pitch. It’s nice that they see how we enjoy ourselves when we are here,” Scaloni explained.

    Di Maria comeback ruled out

    Scaloni also took the time to address specific player situations, including the international retirement of Angel Di Maria, with it suggested he could make a comeback ahead of the World Cup.

    That possibility has now been emphatically ruled out, with Scaloni stating: “We understand that Di Maria’s stage is over. He always made it clear and we understood it from the beginning. I think the noise was generated from outside. I have an excellent relationship with him. We write to each other all the time.”

    Finalissima cancellation and squad logistics

    The preparation for the World Cup has been slightly disrupted by the suspension of the Finalissima against Spain. Scaloni expressed his frustration with the logistical hurdles but insisted that returning to Argentina to train and play has provided a silver lining for the group’s cohesion.

    “The suspension of the final with Spain, we followed it with you. We were saying that we had to look for alternatives, but everything was delayed. It’s nobody’s mistake. There is a situation in which football becomes secondary. That week was difficult. No agreement was reached,” Scaloni remarked. “We started looking for rivals. Nothing was planned. The facility wasn’t even prepared to receive the players. In the end, you have to take the positive. We are here, we can get to know the new kids more and they deserve an opportunity to fight for their place in the World Cup.”

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  • Is MLS a Realistic Option for Cristiano Ronaldo and His Pursuit of 1,000 Goals?

    Is MLS a Realistic Option for Cristiano Ronaldo and His Pursuit of 1,000 Goals?


    Cristiano Ronaldo has long been linked with a glamorous move to Major League Soccer to wrap up his legendary career, but one USA icon believes that ship has sailed. 

    As the Portuguese superstar continues his journey in the Saudi Pro League, questions are being asked about whether he has the physical longevity to ever touch down in North America.

    Retirement reality for the Portuguese icon

    USA legend Kasey Keller has offered a sobering perspective on Ronaldo’s future, suggesting the Al-Nassr forward is approaching the end of his playing days. Despite Ronaldo’s relentless drive to maintain his fitness, Keller believes the 41-year-old is now navigating a delicate stage of his career where the margin for error is razor-thin.

    Speaking to Jackpot City Casino, Keller said: “I think he is really one injury away from retiring honestly. Does he want to score 1000 goals, of course he does. But I don’t know if he wants to go into an MLS system at 41 or 42, travel all around the country, just for what.”

    Ronaldo doesn’t need MLS to move into Hollywood

    While many have speculated that a stint in Los Angeles or Miami would serve as the perfect springboard for a post-football career in the film industry, Keller insists that Ronaldo does not need a soccer contract to break into Hollywood. The former goalkeeper argues that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is already a big enough global brand to transcend sports whenever he chooses.

    “Will Cristiano Ronaldo be thinking about a career in Hollywood when he comes to the USA this summer? I don’t think Ronaldo is too worried about that. If he was going to do that, he would have done that instead of going to Saudi… It’s Cristiano Ronaldo, if he wants to jump into a movie, he’ll jump into a movie.”

    Fitness update & World Cup hopes

    Ronaldo is currently dealing with the exact type of physical setback Keller warned about, having recently suffered a hamstring tear while playing in the Saudi Pro League. However, the striker remains optimistic about his recovery for both club and country as the 2026 World Cup approaches.

    The veteran has been active on social media to show he is getting better every day while performing rehabilitation exercises. Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has also moved to calm fears regarding his captain’s availability for the upcoming tournament in North America, insisting that the current muscle issue is merely a minor setback in an otherwise impressive individual campaign.

    Documentaries and life after soccer

    The conversation regarding Ronaldo’s future often turns to his massive media presence and his relationship with Georgina Rodriguez. Keller expects the striker to remain in the spotlight, though he struggles to see the competitive icon transition into traditional football management roles like his peers.

    He said: “Could Cristiano Ronaldo make a Netflix documentary with Georgina Rodriguez? He definitely could do that. Clearly he’ll have options to do different things. If you look at the personalities between Ronaldo and Messi, Messi was more behind the scenes and Ronaldo was front and centre.

    “I’ll be interested to see what he does in Portuguese, in English, what kind of role he takes. Because he also doesn’t seem to have that personality where he’ll just go and hang out somewhere. Doesn’t he feel like that person that still wants to be doing something? What that role is, when you’re that big and that massive, I don’t see him coaching, I don’t see him being a General Manager or being a Sport Director.”

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  • USA to Play Kosovo or Türkiye In 2026 World Cup Group Stage

    USA to Play Kosovo or Türkiye In 2026 World Cup Group Stage



    The United States’ group for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is nearly set.

    While the United States already knows it will play Paraguay and Australia in its first two matches at the tournament, its final opponent in Group D will be determined on Tuesday in the UEFA Patch C Playoff between Kosovo and Türkiye.

    [World Cup Qualifying: Italy, Türkiye Take Big Steps; Ireland Ousted]

    Kosovo booked its spot in the Patch C final with a 4-3 win against Slovakia at Tehelné pole on Thursday. Four different players scored for Kosovo in its win. Kosovo is ranked 77th in the world by FIFA.

    Türkiye advanced to a matchup with Kosovo by narrowly beating Romania 1-0 on Thursday at Tüpraş Stadium. Ferdi Kadıoğlu scored Türkiye’s lone goal. Türkiye has the second-highest FIFA ranking (23) of any country still in the UEFA Playoffs; only Denmark (20) is ranked higher.

    The UEFA Patch Playoff final will take place on Tuesday at 2:45 p.m. ET. The winner will clinch a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and compete in Group D with the United States, Paraguay and Australia.

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